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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Svcs - 1999-11-22CSC\1999-11-22 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 227 1999 CITY OF KITCHENER The Community Services Committee met this date, chaired by Councillor G. Lorentz, commencing at 1:47 p.m., with the following members present: Councillor T. Galloway, Councillor J. Haalboom, Councillor John Smola, Councillor C. Weylie and Councillor M. Yantzi. Mayor C. Zehr, Councillor Jake Smola and Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison entered the meeting shortly after its commencement. Others present: Ms. L. EckeI-Braun, Ms. L. Pasternak, Ms. P. Houston, Ms. L. Gove, Ms. A. Duffy, Messrs. R. Pritchard, R. Wyatt, D. Daly, M. Price, K. Baulk and Ms. D. Gilchrist. 1. POLICY TO ESTABLISH A FUND FOR THE COMMISSION OF PUBLIC ART The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. M. Price, Manager, Arts, Culture and Events, dated November 1999, with respect to a policy to establish a fund to be used for the commission of public art. Ms. Isabella Stefanescu was in attendance in support of the staff report and gave a slide presentation on existing works of public art in the City of Kitchener and other North American and European communities. She spoke of the benefits of public art in creating an environment and a meaning for specific buildings. Ms. Stefanescu also spoke of the competition process for commissioned public art. Mayor C. Zehr, Councillor K. Taylor-Harrison and Councillor Jake Smola entered the meeting during the slide presentation. Councillor J. Haalboom put forward the recommendation contained in the staff report. She requested that a pamphlet be prepared in this regard for distribution to the building industry. On motion by Councillor J. Haalboom - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener allocate 1% of the budget for construction costs of civic buildings or other civic projects intended for general public use, to be used towards the commission of art to be displayed in public areas or as part of the building structure; and, That the City of Kitchener encourage new commercial and institutional construction or renovation with values over $1M to allocate 1% of the construction budget for the provision of public art; and, That the standard for public art found in the Urban Design Manual be used to provide assistance in determining location and selection of theme, kind and nature of the art form; with the Public Art Committee to be available as a resource in this regard; and further, That a representative from the Public Art Committee or designate be involved with the design process for all new civic facilities at the earliest possible point, to ensure that the location for the work is well integrated in the building and maximises its public exposure." 2. PROPOSAL FOR A KITCHENER SENIORS' WOODWORKING AND CRAFT CENTRE Mr. A. Forler was in attendance to address his request for the establishment of a seniors' woodworking and craft centre in the City of Kitchener. The Committee had been provided with a written submission in this regard, attached to the agenda. Mr. Forler addressed the Committee advising that the former Fire Department Headquarters had been targeted, although they are aware that the City intends to sell this building. He stated that seniors by and large want to remain active in the community, and, although the City has good programs for seniors, this program is not currently offered. He pointed out that 2 such facilities exist in Cambridge, 1 in Waterloo and 1 in Wilmot Township. Mr. Forler continued by explaining that the centre would be staffed by seniors and run by an independent board consisting of seniors, who would report to the Parks and Recreation Department. Mr. Forler advised that the estimated costs for the project have been included in the written submission. Mr. Forler then elaborated on the proposal to use the former Fire Department Headquarters noting COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 227 1999 - 83 - CITY OF KITCHENER that it is being suggested for several reasons: it is vacant; it is a municipal building; it has PROPOSAL FOR A KITCHENER SENIORS' WOODWORKING AND CRAFT CENTRE (CONT'D) the required space, adequate parking, access to public transit and the building has barrier4ree access. Mr. Forler then reviewed the recommendations contained in his written submission. He noted that the seniors' community hasn't been polled for their support for this project, as they did not want to raise the issue until it became a possibility. With respect to finances, Mr. Forler stated that ultimately the project should be self-supporting; however, they would need seed funding of $15,800.00, which could be repaid over 2 - 3 years. Councillor C. Weylie questioned whether any of the other seniors' woodworking facilities will close and was advised that the Waterloo centre may not continue. Councillor Weylie requested that the focus change from retired seniors to seniors in general and that the hours of operation change to accommodate working seniors. Mr. Forler noted that, out of respect for residential neighbours, it was necessary to limit the hours of operation due to machinery noise. He felt that some accommodation could be made to extend the hours for working seniors. A discussion then took place with respect to income to be derived from the activities at the centre, who would pay for and conduct the recommended survey of the seniors' community, and the timing of the grant application to the Trillium Foundation. Councillor T. Galloway questioned alternate locations, such as Fire Halls #2 and #3, noting the City's strategy to use the proceeds from the sale of the Fire Department Headquarters to assist in funding the new fire stations. Mr. Forler advised that they have attempted to find other buildings but there is nothing available. Mayor C. Zehr noted the building renovations outlined in the written submission, questioning whether Mr. Forler had discussed these renovations with City staff. Mayor Zehr noted that other renovations may be required to bring this building up to Code. Mr. Forler stated that they did not believe they could approach staff until they received permission to proceed with the project. Mayor Zehr suggested that the renovation costs could be more than anticipated. Councillor Jake Smola questioned whether there was a specific area in the city where this use was most needed and was advised that any location would be acceptable as long as the building is suitable for the use. Councillor Jake Smola then advised of the Community Centre Feasibility Study being conducted by the City, inviting Mr. Forler to attend a meeting in this regard. A discussion then took place with respect to the use of space in an industrial mall and partnerships with other groups. Councillor John Smola stated that he could support this program but questioned whether the City was now changing its strategy with respect to financing the Fire Hall relocations. Mayor C. Zehr suggested that this Committee would not be in a position to approve this request today or even approve it in principle. He suggested that the Committee should decide if it wants to support this type of seniors programming and whether this proposal should be included in the Monteith Study. He stated that the City should consider the implications of using the Fire Headquarters for this type of use. Councillor T. Galloway stated that this is an excellent concept; however, the Fire Hall situation has been decided. He referred to the Monteith report and suggested that staff look at accommodating this use in other City buildings or other buildings, such as the Globe Studios new location. He suggested that rental opportunities be explored and that staff report back to this Committee on the options. Councillor John Smola requested that staff be directed not to bring forward any programs involving the use of closed fire stations. Councillor G. Lorentz questioned the survey recommended in the delegation's written submission and Mr. R. Wyatt advised that it was not a major task and could be undertaken internally. The Committee briefly discussed conducting the survey on a larger scale. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 227 1999 - 84 - CITY OF KITCHENER 2. PROPOSAL FOR A KITCHENER SENIORS' WOODWORKING AND CRAFT CENTRE (CONT'D) On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That staff be directed to include the proposed Seniors' Woodworking and Craft Centre, as presented at the Community Services Committee meeting of November 22, 1999, in the Community Centre Feasibility Study; and, That staff investigate possible locations for a Seniors' Woodworking and Craft Centre and report back to the Community Services Committee in January 2000; and further, That staff of the Leisure Programs and Support Services Division, in conjunction with a committee of seniors, undertake a survey to determine the extent of support in the seniors' community for a Seniors' Woodworking and Craft Centre." SUPPORT FOR PURSUIT OF SCOTT TOURNAMENT OF HEARTS IN 2003 The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. K. Baulk, Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex and Kitchener Farmers' Market, dated November 15, 1999, recommending that the City support the bid for the Scott Tournament of Hearts (Canadian Womens Curling Championship) in 2003 and that the host committee apply for a grant for a premier level sponsorship in the future, if their bid is successful. Mr. Jerry Finnen of the K-W Curling Bid Committee was in attendance in support of the staff report and to request Council's support in this regard. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the City of Kitchener support the K-W Curling Bid Committee pursuit of the Scott Tournament of Hearts (Canadian Women's Curling Championship) in 2003; and further, That should the event be awarded to the City of Kitchener, the local host committee make a presentation to a future Council requesting a grant for a premier level sponsorship." FINAL REPORT ON 1999 ONTARIO GAMES FOR THE PHYSICALLY DISABLED Messrs. Dave McClintock and Tim Mussar were in attendance to advise the Committee of the outcome of the 1999 Ontario Games for the Physically Disabled. It was noted that this event was co-hosted with Kitchener, Waterloo and other partners and took place from July 16 - 18, 1999. He advised that the facilities used were the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, the Albert McCormick Arena, Rockway Golf Course and Wilfred Laurier University. Mr. McClintock advised that it was a tremendously successful event with $30,000.00 in sponsorships from the community, primarily Zehrs Markets who sponsored the event to the amount of $10,000.00. Mr. Mussar advised that 275 athletes, coaches and support staff were involved in the event which had international participation. He also noted that 323 volunteers contributed their time and efforts towards making this event such a success. Mr. D. McClintock then advised that the net revenues from the event were $55,000.00, which was used to establish a trust fund for disabled athletes. Both gentlemen thanked the Committee for the support of the City in this event. Several members of Council and staff thanked Mr. McClintock and Mr. Mussar and their volunteers for the successful event. It was noted that these gentlemen had taken on the event at short notice and, with the assistance of their volunteers, put on an extremely successful event. YEAR 200 ANNUAL OPERATING GRANTS FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. D. Daly, Interim Assistant General Manager, dated November 17, 1999, providing background information and a recommendation with YEAR 200 ANNUAL OPERATING GRANTS FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 227 1999 - 85 - CITY OF KITCHENER ORGANIZATIONS (CONT'D) respect to the year 2000 annual operating grants for community groups and organizations. Attached to Mr. Daly's report was an annual operating grant list for the year 2000 and a copy of a letter which had been sent to those community groups and organizations normally supported by the City of Kitchener with grant funding. Mr. R. Wyatt introduced the report and Ms. A. Duffy provided specific information with respect to the details in the grant list. Councillor T. Galloway noted the grant request of the Homer Watson House Foundation and the additional $8,000.00 which they had been awarded for the past 2 years. He requested that the $8,000.00 be added to their annual operating grant this year, which was generally agreed to by the Committee. A brief discussion took place with respect to the removal of the grant for K-W Habilitation Services for the year 2000 and the Committee was advised that this grant had been provided to assist with their efforts to clear sidewalks for seniors and the fact that this service is no longer provided by them. It was noted that the grant previously awarded to this group had nothing to do with the grass-cutting contract that the City has with K-W Habilitation. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That, subject to the year 2000 operating grant for the Homer Watson House Foundation being increased to $85,000.00, the remaining year 2000 annual operating grants receive 0% increase over 1999; and, That the organizations be notified by staff of their year 2000 operating grant allocations; and further, That organizations wishing to appear before the Community Services Committee with respect to their year 2000 operating grant allocation, notify the Parks & Recreation Department." 6. CREMATION URNS - WILLIAMSBURG CEMETERY The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. G. Kett, Manager, Golf Course and Cemetery Operations, dated November 17, 1999, with respect to the acquisition of cremation urns for sale in conjunction with the niches at the Williamsburg Cemetery. Ms. L. Eckel-Braun was in attendance to represent the report and answer any questions the Committee might have in this regard. On motion by Councillor T. Galloway - it was resolved: "That the Cemetery and Golf Operations Division proceed with the acquisition of cremation urns for sale, in conjunction with the various niches at Williamsburg Cemetery." 7. UPDATE - KOR GALLERY Councillor M. Yantzi advised the Committee that the KOR Gallery is applying for millennium funding with respect to their year 2000 operating budget. He noted that he had been approached by Ms. Rothwell with respect to access to the glass blowing equipment recently purchased by the City. He noted that Ms. Rothwell would be appearing at Council on Monday, November 29th to ask for permission to use the glass blowing equipment and for a grant, for the first year, to cover the utility costs for operating this equipment. 8. ADJOURNMENT COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 227 1999 - 86 - CITY OF KITCHENER On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.. Dianne H. Gilchrist Committee Administrator